03/16/2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Agenda Packet
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 16, 2021
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
AGENDA
Page 1 of 3
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THIS MEETING WILL BE LIMITED.
THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER N-29-20
MEETING MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE www.cityofgilroy.org.
In order to minimize the spread of the COVID 19 virus, the City will be offering telephone
and email options for public comments at this meeting. The public is encouraged to
participate in this meeting by as follows:
VIEW THE MEETING LIVE ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/GilroyCityHallMeetings
PUBLIC COMMENTS WILL BE TAKEN ON AGENDA ITEMS BEFORE ACTION IS
TAKEN BY THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION. COMMENTS MAY BE
EMAILED PRIOR TO OR DURING THE MEETING TO ADAM HENIG AT
adam.henig@cityofgilroy.org AND MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE
CHAIRPERSON OPENS PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE ITEM. ADDITIONALLY,
COMMENTS MAY BE MADE BY LEAVING A VOICE MESSAGE AT (408) 846-0577,
PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. MARCH 16, 2021. IMPORTANT: identify the Agenda Item
Number or PUBLIC COMMENT in the subject line of your email. The Clerk will read
the first three minutes of each email into the public record.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Governors Order N-29-
20, the City will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this
meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please
contact the City a minimum of 2 hours prior to the meeting at (408) 846-0577.
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City of Gilroy Parks and
Recreation Commission after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public
inspection with the agenda packet in the Recreation Division at City Hall, 7351 Rosanna
Street during normal business hours. These materials are also available with the agenda
packet on the City website at www.cityofgilroy.org
Page 2 of 3
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
Chair: Michelle Wexler 12/21 Vice Chair: Theresa Graham 12/23
Angela Reinert 12/23 Patricia Bentson 12/24
Robert Miller 12/21 Ermelindo Puente 12/23
Gregory Troy 12/22
III. FLAG SALUTE
IV. SECRETARY'S REPORT
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. February 16, 2021
B. February 16, 2021
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VII. INTRODUCTIONS
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Santa Clara Valley Urban Forestry Alliance Presentation
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Receive Santa Clara Valley Urban Forestry Alliance report and
comment.
B. Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendations for the
Upcoming Two-year Budget Cycle.
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Provide recommendations to Council for the upcoming two-year
budget cycle.
C. Adoption of 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Motion to Approve the adoption of the 2021 Parks and Recreation
Commission Work Plan that is in alignment with City Council's
priorities.
Page 3 of 3
X. OLD BUSINESS
XI. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
A. Recreation Division Updates
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Review Recreation Division updates and provide comment.
B. Status of City Parks (report attached)
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Receive parks report and comment.
XII. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
Park Assignments
o Commissioner Bentson - Cydney Casper, Christmas Hill
o Vice Chair Graham - Farrell Avenue, Gateway, Hecker Pass, Los Arroyos,
Rainbow
o Commissioner Miller - Uvas Levee, El Roble
o Commissioner Puente - Butcher, Forest Street, Renz, San Ysidro
o Commissioner Reinert - Gilroy Sports Park, Village Green
o Commissioner Troy - Las Animas, Miller
o Chair Wexler - Carriage Hills, Del Rey, Sunrise
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 16, 2021
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MINUTES
Page 1 of 2
I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status
Pat Bentson Commissioner Present (arrived at
6:09 p.m.)
Robert Miller Commissioner Present
Theresa Graham Vice Chair Present
Ermelindo Puente Commissioner Present
Michelle Wexler Chair Present
Angela Reinert Commissioner Present
Gregory Troy Commissioner Present
II. ROLL CALL
Chair: Michelle Wexler 12/21 Vice Chair: Theresa Graham 12/23
Angela Reinert 12/23 Patricia Bentson 12/24
Robert Miller 12/21 Ermelindo Puente 12/23
Gregory Troy 12/22
III. FLAG SALUTE
IV. SECRETARY'S REPORT The Parks and Recreation Commission agenda was
posted online on and posted in the City Hall kiosk on February 11, 2021.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Commissioner Miller motioned to approve.
Commissioner Troy seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0.
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Commissioner Miller motioned to approve.
Commissioner Graham seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission's Selection of Meeting Date
5.A
Packet Pg. 4 Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 16, 2021 6:00 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES)
Page 2 of 2
for Annual Presentation to City Council – The dates that were selected for
the commission to present to City Council were September 13 and September
20. Chair Wexler motioned to approve. Commissioner Reinert seconded.
Motion passed 7-0-0
IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:15 p.m.
Adam Henig
Recording Secretary
Recreation Division
5.A
Packet Pg. 5 Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 16, 2021 6:00 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES)
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 16, 2021
6:15 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MEETING NOTES
Page 1 of 2
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
III. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review of Commissioner Responsibilities and Role – Staff member
Henig review the commissioner’s responsibilities and role as explained in
the staff report.
B. Development of 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan - A
draft of the 2021 work plan.
PROJECTS ONGOING Future Discussion
OTHER (not on 2021 Work
Plan)
Mile Markers on Levee
(continue)
Park Assignments
(continue)
Advocate for Park Master
Plan/new park
development
Explore Opportunities for Futsal
Court
Parks & Recreation
Foundation (continue)
Training
Opportunities for
Commissioners
Communicate with City
Council Docents/volunteers on Levee
Public Trail Maps (high
priority on needs
reports)
Raise funds for Youth
Scholarship (if Covid
allows)
Making Parks and
Recreation Programs more
accessible (pre-Master
Plan)
Promote Recreation Programs &
Parks = Health & Wellness
Street Tree Brochure
Capital Improvement
Projects - annual
update/presentation
Parks Design Standards Review
(follow up with Pat and Bill)
Sustainable Tree
Program
Arbor Day 2021
(continue)
Input on Programming Options for
Senior Center (post-Covid)
Explore Opportunities
for Pickleball Court
Universal Access
Recording Audio of Parks
5.B
Packet Pg. 6 Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 16, 2021 6:15 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES)
Page 2 of 2
IV. STAFF COMMENTS
V. ADJOURNMENT – 8:17 p.m.
Adam Henig
Recording Secretary
Recreation Division
5.B
Packet Pg. 7 Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Feb 16, 2021 6:15 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES)
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Santa Clara Valley Urban Forestry Alliance Presentation
Meeting Date: March 16, 2021
Submitted By: Adam Henig
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Receive Santa Clara Valley Urban Forestry Alliance report and comment.
Executive Summary
CONCEPT DOCUMENT: NOT TO BE CONSIDERED FINALIZED
Santa Clara Valley Urban Forestry Alliance
A healthy, well-managed urban forest significantly contributes to environmental
resilience and public health, supporting the ability to avoid, adapt to, and recover from
the environmental shock of urbanization and climate change. Urban forests act as a
natural buffer, improving air quality; intercepting run-off; enhancing habitat, and
improving outdoor recreation. They also reduce energy use, store carbon, and help
regulate urban heat.
According to a study by NASA, between 1999 and 2009, 13.13 square miles of the
County’s forest and woodland vegetation cover was lost to urban development, climate
change, and lack of maintenance – and likely significantly more since. This loss is
compounded in disadvantaged neighborhoods that already have a fraction of the tree
canopy found in other areas. Resource instability, and public indifference constantly
hamper efforts to save this critical ecosystem component.
The effectiveness and scope of efforts to mitigate losses can be maximized through a
region-wide collaborative effort in management, monitoring, advocacy, and policy, and
through increased public awareness and support. The creation of a Santa Clara Valley
Urban Forestry Alliance (SCVUFA) would address the issue of canopy loss and many
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more. SCVUFA will bolster regionwide environmental resilience, filling the need for a
cooperative effort, inclusive of public and private stakeholders, each contributing from
their areas of strength. Forests are interconnected across landscapes, but also across
various stakeholders. Leveraging resources among these stakeholders makes sense.
The issue of finding partners and establishing networks to raise public awareness can
be accelerated through targeted outreach and thoughtful collaboration with all
stakeholders in neighborhoods that need urban forestry the most. SCVUFA can help
identify and capitalize on commonalities and strengths, including outreach best
practices. It will allow for best outcomes in planning and decision-making through data
sharing and analysis. It can increase access to the latest research, best practices,
technical expertise, and community resources. It will bring jurisdictions together,
working towards setting and achieving common goals in regional urban forestry with a
primary focus on neighborhoods that are economically and ecologically challenged, and
have fallen behind.
SCVUFA will advocate for, and explore innovative funding opportunities for urban
forestry, build public awareness, and lead public policy and efforts to increase federal,
state, and local funding for urban forestry projects in Santa Clara Valley. We will also
use this platform to promote green-jobs creation, environmental justice, youth
engagement, and neighborhood connectivity with the goal of creating a thriving local
urban forestry stewardship network, full of qualified and credentialed people who can
build and sustain economic strength and vibrant, green communities.
The goal of SCVUFA is to eventually include public, private, neighborhood, and non-
profit stakeholders, facilitating sustained collaboration on: funding opportunities;
outreach; expertise; adaptive policy tools such as model ordinances, guidelines,
resolutions, and goals; and tools such as, tree inventories and canopy analysis.
Expected outcomes above and beyond the term of this project are, enhanced
management of trees and urban green spaces, increased public awareness of the value
of urban forestry, elevated recognition of urban forestry ecosystems as essential
contributors to community sustainability, and stronger policy supporting regional urban
forestry.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendations for the
Upcoming Two-year Budget Cycle.
Meeting Date: March 16, 2021
Submitted By: Adam Henig
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Provide recommendations to Council for the upcoming two-year budget cycle.
Executive Summary
For the City’s upcoming two-year budget cycle, council is seeking input from city
commission and boards. This is an opportunity to provide input from each commission
as what they would like Council to consider for the budget. All items should be
commission related. Recommendations will be submitted to Council.
Attachments:
1. Advisory Board Input Letter (2)
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To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Carina Baksa, Finance Manager – Budget Division
Re: Gilroy Fiscal Year Budget Process 2022 and 2023
Date: February 2, 2021
City staff is seeking input of City advisory bodies in the budget development for Fiscal Years 2021-22
(FY22) and Fiscal Years 2022-23 (FY23). As an advisory body of the City of Gilroy, you are invited to
participate in the process and provide input on what you would like Council to consider in the
upcoming budget cycle. There are no guarantees that any requests will be adopted, some requests may
be included by staff into the staff recommended budget, but all comments will be compiled, and
Council will see all requests in the staff report and potentially the budget book itself.
Requests should link to one or more of the following, if your request requires funding, please include
an estimate of the cost to accomplish the request:
o Any commission/committee work plan that has been established;
o Any master plan that the commission/committee works under; or
o Any Council Strategic Plan Goal
Comments and request should be issued by the board collectively, not each individual member. An
action to approve the recommendations is advisable. All requests are due no later than your March
2021 meeting.
9.B.a
Packet Pg. 11 Attachment: Advisory Board Input Letter (2) (3188 : Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendations for the Upcoming Two-year Budget
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Adoption of 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
Meeting Date: March 16, 2021
Submitted By: Adam Henig
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Motion to Approve the adoption of the 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work
Plan that is in alignment with City Council's priorities.
Executive Summary
On February 16, 2021, the Parks and Recreation Commission held a retreat to develop
their 2021 work plan. The drafted plan should align with the current City Council
priorities:
✓ Ensure Financial Stability
✓ Enhance Public Safety Capabilities
✓ Revitalize Downtown
✓ Focus on Revenue Driven Economic Development
✓ Retain Stability in the City’s Workforce
✓ Provide Opportunities for Meaningful Public Engagement
✓ Ensure Neighborhoods Benefit Equally from City Services
The work plan needs to be adopted by the commission.
Attachments:
1. PRC 2021 Work Plan 3.5.2021
9.C
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2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
Project Name Work Deliverable in 12
months
City Council
Priority Status
Review Capitol Improvement
Projects
Advocate for Park Master
Plan/new park development
Training Opportunities for
Commissioners
Host Arbor Day
Raise funds for Recreation
Department Youth Scholarship
Monitor city parks
Complete Street Tree Brochure
Collaborate with other city
commissions and boards
9.C.a
Packet Pg. 13 Attachment: PRC 2021 Work Plan 3.5.2021 (3232 : Adoption of 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission
Project Name Work Deliverable in 12
months
City Council
Priority Status
Add mile markers to levee
Public Trail Maps (high priority
on needs reports)
Capitol Improvement Projects -
annual update/presentation
Sustainable Tree Program
Explore Opportunities for
Pickleball Court
Making Parks and Recreation
Programs more accessible (pre-
Master Plan)
Not On 2021 Work Plan but Discussed Rev. March 5, 2021
Explore Opportunities for Futsal Court
Docents/volunteers on Levee
Promote Recreation Programs & Parks = Health & Wellness
Parks Design Standards Review (follow up with Pat and Bill)
Input on Programming Options for Senior Center (post-Covid)
Universal Access
Recording Audio of Parks
9.C.a
Packet Pg. 14 Attachment: PRC 2021 Work Plan 3.5.2021 (3232 : Adoption of 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Recreation Division Updates
Meeting Date: March 16, 2021
Submitted By: Adam Henig
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Review Recreation Division updates and provide comment.
Executive Summary
During the first three months of 2021, the Recreation Division has been busy!
Having launched its new registration software, CivicRec, more than 500 participants—
youth, teens, adults, and seniors—have registered for classes, generating nearly
$50,000 in revenue. Popular classes include Tae Kwon Do, After School in the Park,
Futsal, and Legos.
In addition, the recreation team has been a key partner in supporting the Covid-19
vaccination efforts at the Gilroy Senior Center. Over 500 people (mostly seniors, 65+)
have received their first vaccine dose at the senior center since it opened on February
10. The site is now in the midst of administering the second dose.
On March 1, City Council officially adopted an ordinance change to ban smoking in
parks. This was originally recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission in
fall 2020.
In the beginning of April, the 2021 Summer Activity Guide will be published. The 32-
page guide includes information about youth summer camps, programs for all ages, and
a letter to residents from Chair Wexler.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Status of City Parks (report attached)
Meeting Date: March 16, 2021
Submitted By: Bill Headley
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Receive parks report and comment.
Executive Summary
See attached report.
Attachments:
1. PRC Park Operations Report_March 16_ 2021_
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7351 Rosanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020-6197 www.ci.gilroy.ca.us (408) 846-0451
City of Gilroy
Public Works Department
Parks and Landscape Division
MEMORANDUM
Date: March 16, 2021
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
CC: Karl Bjarke, Interim Public Works Director
From: Bill Headley, Park Operations Supervisor
Subject: Public Works Park Operations Report
REPORT TO COMMISSION for March 16, 2021
1. Street Tree Brochure draft text prepared by PRC commissioner Pat Bentson has been sent to
City staff for review and comment. Pandemic staffing disruptions are expected to delay Public
Works review comments for the draft brochure several months. Updates on this review and
forwarded to PRC Commission will be provided to PRC. The estimated timeline for PRC review of
draft brochure after PW comments are added is this spring.
2. Glen Lomas development on the Christmas Hill Park west hillside is impacting the park
until adjacent residential development is completed. The west property line park trail and service
road is blocked. Restoration and opening of the park property line trail-service road and fence is
estimated for completion in May.
11.B.a
Packet Pg. 17 Attachment: PRC Park Operations Report_March 16_ 2021_ (3233 : Status of City Parks (report attached))
7351 Rosanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020-6197 www.ci.gilroy.ca.us (408) 846-0451
3 Covid restrictions lifted for sports fields and basketball courts. County health department
covid restrictions were lifted recently for sports fields and basketball courts. These facilities were
made ready for public use Saturday March 13th. Covid safety measures are still recommended
for public use of these opened recreational facilities. Public drinking fountains are still close at
this time.
11.B.a
Packet Pg. 18 Attachment: PRC Park Operations Report_March 16_ 2021_ (3233 : Status of City Parks (report attached))
7351 Rosanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020-6197 www.ci.gilroy.ca.us (408) 846-0451
4. Arbor Day at Gilroy Municipal Golf Course is recommended for the week of April 25-30th. The
golf course operator has offered to provide the Commission to a 30 minute golf course tour by
golf carts before or after Arbor Day tree plantings.
5. Miller Park experienced a power outage and park restroom closure from mid-January to late
February do to storm damage failure to the temporary park power service pole. Completion of
underground utility power service into Miller Park is planned for a future capital project.
6. City install trash container for Ronan Channel campers at San Ysidro Park February 26th.
Until the pandemic ends Recology, City and Water District coordinated placement of trash
collection site on the east side of San Ysidro Park for the unsheltered folks living along the water
district channel and freeway 101.
11.B.a
Packet Pg. 19 Attachment: PRC Park Operations Report_March 16_ 2021_ (3233 : Status of City Parks (report attached))
7351 Rosanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020-6197 www.ci.gilroy.ca.us (408) 846-0451
11.B.a
Packet Pg. 20 Attachment: PRC Park Operations Report_March 16_ 2021_ (3233 : Status of City Parks (report attached))
7351 Rosanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020-6197 www.ci.gilroy.ca.us (408) 846-0451
THANKS FOR HELPING TO KEEP OUR PARKS SAFE
When you notice something that you feel is a safety hazard or
that needs attention, no need to wait until the Parks & Recreation
Commission meeting to report it. Please call (408) 846-0460
during regular business hours, or the non-emergency after-hours
number, (408) 846-0350, to report.
Parks / City Incident Reports
Public Works Operations
(Past Incident Reports will be provided at a Future PRC mtg.)
MAINTENANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Parks Section Weekly Highlight Reports Not Available
See park maintenance highlights in future PRC Parks report.
To report graffiti, please call the
Graffiti Hotline @ (408) 846-0395
11.B.a
Packet Pg. 21 Attachment: PRC Park Operations Report_March 16_ 2021_ (3233 : Status of City Parks (report attached))